Introducing Jack Liang: Trunk Tailors and his Style Journey.

“When I needed a suit for my first summer vacation job, that was when I became obsessed with so-called menswear.”

Every time I see Jack I think to myself “damn, I need to lift my menswear game.”

Jack Liang is without a doubt one of the small handful of Melbourne dudes who oozes the nonchalant Italian style we normal people wish we had. Luckily with his new Made-To-Measure menswear venture Trunk Tailors (instagram @trunktailors), alongside the legendary local Homie Yang, we all have a chance to take a leaf from his fabric book! Sartorial aesthetic aside, he is super intelligent and down to earth. Two traits that are hard to find paired together in the Menswear world. I sat down with him in his brand new showroom, and was very impressed with his professionalism and the cosy, friendly environment that his brand offers.

You seem to have a very directional and specific sartorial style. How would you describe your taste in clothing?

I work in a professional environment outside of Trunk Tailors, and in that business less is more. I focus more on details such as my collar roll, button position, higher waisted trousers and being comfortable. When I dress for work in the morning I usually start by choosing a Drakes tie and brown suede Oxfords and my inspiration builds from there. With my suits, navy and grey are the foundation of my wardrobe (I always recommend two shades of each), and I much prefer to play with textures rather than colours.

How did you first become inspired to wear and promote your current style?

It was a sort of natural progression. At first, when I was younger I’d look at Gino in the skateboarding video: Trilogy. Then I was hooked on the brand Visvim in about 2006 and marvelled at their product innovation. Soon after, I became hooked on Japanese denim, Goro’s, HTC and Red Wings. It was when I needed a suit for my first summer vacation job that I became obsessed with so-called menswear. I just had to know what I was paying for, and became obsessed with the intricate details of every garment.

Who are your main sartorial inspirations and why?

Early on I was influenced by The Green Diamond in NY. Then drew my inspirations from Giampaolo Alliata for his friendliness, Yasuto Kamoshita for his elegance, Brunello Cucinelli for his signature earthy tones. I also am impressed by Hiroki Nakamura for his dissertations, the Isaia team for being bold, Hiroshi Fujiwara for his product knowledge – however these days most of my inspiration comes from everyday people in everyday life.

Any words of wisdom for our sartorially inclined readers?

Dress in the right context! Dress for the occasion! Wear a wool suit to work with oxfords, wear cotton suit for drinks with loafers. Own a tuxedo and a bow tie. Get a flannel suit, a cotton, a linen and maybe throw in some seersucker and Solaro for good measure. However there is always a balance. If I can paraphrase Glengarry Glen Ross’ quote, I’d say “put that pocket square down”. At the end of the day, don’t take dressing yourself too seriously, a lady would much prefer a six-pack to a 3-roll-2. Focus on staying fit and healthy and style will follow.

You’ve mentioned your travels when we’ve caught up – can you pick your one favorite place around the world, and why do you love it?

It is so easy to say Naples for its colors, chaos and hospitality. However, I’d have to rank Tokyo as my favourite place. I love how nerdy and OCD Japanese people are with products of all kinds. Their hunger for knowledge and pursuit of perfection is only matched by their respect for traditions. It is inspiring visually and ethically.

Trunk Tailors looks like a very exciting new menswear venture. Why will you be successful, and what are you hoping to acheive?

It’s simple. We offer 100% handmade garments using the finest fabrics we can find from Italy and Britain at the most competitive price in the market. It is more about sharing the culture and history with our clients and letting our passion shine through, than two-for-one deals or high-end pricing. We prefer to have a more personal relationship with our clients and be able to call every one of them our friend.

Jack is a very passionate man, and I am absolutely looking forward to what he will achieve this year.